www.byzcath.org Forums Faith & Christian Life Faith & Theology Intercommunion: Thr First Step

A friend recently visited a Byzantine Catholic parish and brought back some very attractive welcoming literature from the parish. I was struck by this sentence: " If you are a Catholic or Orthodox Christian in good standing with your Church you are encouraged to receive the Holy Eucharist during the Divine Liturgy." Is this a change? What has been the Orthodox response to this initiative.

Usually, the Catholic parish prints a little disclaimer which advises Orthodox Christians to follow the Canons of their Church regarding Intercommunion

Dear Brian,

I am so glad that you are back!

I have remembered you often in prayer.

God bless!
Alice

It is standard procedure in Ukrainian Catholic and Ruthenian parishes to allow Orthodox to approach to Communion but ultimately it is a matter of conscience with the individual. I would think most Orthodox jurisdictions would not be overly receptive to this.

That sounds like the literature from my parish, Our Lady of Fatima Russian Catholic in S.F. I know of a few Orthodox that come occasionally who do receive in our parish, including one who is Coptic. However, I don't think they are necessarily following their bishop's wishes.

As usual, Diak is absolutely correct. The big-O Orthodox Churches, in my humble experience, "officially" frown upon big-C Catholics from recieving the Eucharist in thier churches.

Unofficially, however, intercommunion is quite common both ways.

It also helps if you know how to and do properly cross yourself in the Eastern way.

Yours,

kl

In my point of view full and official intercommunion is only a question of time but before this happens a couple of bishops and certain lay people like someone that's participating on the other thread have to get out of the way.
Lauro

Intercommunion remains a logical absurdity while the Eastern Orthodox and Roman Catholic Churches hold incompatible beliefs on issues of soteriology and ecclesiology.

Christ established a Church, empowering his apostles to lay its foundation. As the lesson from I Corinthians Chapter 3 warns us: be careful how one builds upon that foundation since the work will ultimately be tested by fire.

East and West have built differently upon that foundation, especially since the 1850s.

It is not the joyous desire of either side to remain separated, but they are mature enough to recognize the reality that they are not in communion.

The Churches, East and West, are agreeing that they are not in communion. Individuals, be they bishops or be they lay people should think twice before ignoring the Christ-given authority that their Church has to make this determination.

Would anyone be so bold as to take into his or her our own hands that which an entire synod should rightfully decide?

With love in Christ,
Andrew

Dear Andrew:

Christ did not cause the Great Schism - people did.

Yours,

kl

Andrew, our hosts, the Byzantine Catholics, are generally a little more optimistic about such things as intercommunion.

Their worship is Orthodox (nec plus, nec minus, nec aliter), and they are in Communion with the Holy See. Thus, I think it is natural for them to think "why not everybody"--especially because most Byzantine Catholics are very well aware of the differences that had to be overcome in order to achieve Communion with the West. It seems a small matter, by comparison, to achieve Communion with those who are their brothers in worship, or ethnicity, etc.

Having made the decision to achieve Communion with Rome, it is also natural to feel that one's brother may do so as well. (I think).

L-T

post edited by L-T

Brian is correct. The Eastern Canons state that there is no objection to Orthodox Christians (not in communion with Rome) receiving the Eucharist in Catholic Churches. All of the statements on this issue advise these Orthodox to respect the directives of their own bishops (which is not to receive).

About ten years ago the United States National Conference of Catholic Bishops (which is now the USCCB) issued guidelines that summarize this (they have been posted before). The reason they were issued was because there were numerous Orthodox Christians who were regularly receiving the Sacramental Mysteries in Catholic Churches. The bishops were seeking to politely suggest to these individuals to return to their Orthodox parishes but at the same time did not want to deny them the Eucharist (and pastoral care) if they freely choose to seek it in a Catholic Church.

To be fair all around I should state that I know of more than a few Orthodox bishops and priests who regularly communicate Byzantine Catholics. Eucharistic sharing between Catholic and Orthodox is very much a reality.

If the pamphlet that Mr. Schweich referenced actually encouraged Orthodox to receive the Eucharist, it should be noted to the pastor with a request to correct the wording on the pamphlet.

Dear Brethren,

I may be mistaken, (although I believe that memory serves me right), BUT, intercommunion was almost achieved around or at the time of the Balamand Agreement.

Patriarch Bartholomew was just about ready to give the green light when tensions arose in the Ukraine...and the evil one, working through insignificant (in the greater scheme of our Lord) secular concerns about 'real estate', got involved.

However, because of the 'almost' factor, I do hold out great hope! May it be so, Lord.

In Christ our Lord and Saviour,
Alice

Dear Alice:

Unless you want us to start talking about "the" Greece," please do not use the phrase "the Ukraine."

"Ukraine" will do nicely.

Yours,

kl

Don't worry, Alice--they got me for it too!!

Krylos, I think we should give poor Alice a break--it is still habitual for most people in the States to say "the Ukraine."

I do understand, though--I get very upset when people make reference to "the British Isles."

IrishTrad

Dear Krylos Leader,

I beg to differ slightly. I don't think that "big-O Orthodox Churches..."officially" frown upon big-C Catholics from recieving the Eucharist in thier churches" but rather do not allow it except by way of ekonomia.

Obviously the RCC's ecclesiology allows for a certain type of "intercommunion" as evidenced by the "rules" published in the back of the Missalette.

While I don't dispute that "intercommunion is quite common both ways" in some places, it is not in all places. If the local bishop/pastor allows a certain "intercommunion" that is one thing. If, however, non-Orthodox approach the chalice in an Orthodox parish without the permission of the local bishop/pastor, I see that as a grave offense.

I hope you see my point, it is honesty that is in question here nothing else. What I find offensive is the notion that one can be deceptive and receive where the practice of the church one is in would not allow it.

The prayer before communion says "not to judgement or condemnation," surely church discipline and order fits in there somehow.

Tony